Bear Lake with the Family

A few months ago we decided that we were getting the boat out this year and planning a vacation to Bear Lake with all the kids and grands.  We had a family meeting on a Sunday so that everyone had input and decided on a week in June.  The very next day the date was changed....I think because it worked out better at work.  Larry and three of our boys work together and so sometimes it can be tough to all take off at the same time.  The kids kind of took over and did a superb job!

Julie found the cabin and made all the arrangement for it...including collecting the money from everyone. (the kids pitch in now)  When we opened the door I couldn't help but smile.  It was nice and big and pretty much perfect!  Julie did good!

Natalie took over the meal planning and I was amazed at all the extra's she did.  We had salads and dips and she prepared so much of it at home.  Julie and Natalie did the shopping and Kelsi and Braxton got the treats for the boat.  I am so proud of my kids...they are so awesome!

We played on the beach every day but Saturday and it was obvious that the kids really enjoyed it.  They were in and out of the water all day long.  They built some pretty awesome Sand Castles and just had a ball.

Every day the boat went out and the Big Banana was the "ride". (we always called it the water weenie before but this year the grands were calling it the banana)  The grands loved riding on the banana and even let Larry take them over some bumps.  A few times they fell off but not because Larry was trying to tip them...they just tipped and it was probably because of some the of the older riders tipping them.

Larry's brother Scott told Justin that we could take his wave runners if we wanted and they were a blast.  We had wave runners when our older kids were teenagers but sold them because it got to be work instead of fun. The kids had to ride them after putting them in the water or when we went to load them and sometimes the water was rough and the conditions were yucky and so it took the fun out of it.  The trailer was really long too so that we could get by with just one trailer for the wave runners and the boat. So having wave runners this trip was really enjoyable for everyone.  I didn't drive them because when I went I let the grands do the driving.  They crack me up!

Everyone was so good and got along so well.  Sweet little Macie was sick most of the week though and was fussy and threw up a few times each day.  For not feeling well she did pretty good and her mommy and daddy are the best...they are so patient and caring.

One day we had some people by us that were pretty thoughtless.  They got in a mud fight and threw mud at each other while moving over in our space and near the boat.  There was so much mud on our boat!  I was shocked that people could be so rude and inconsiderate.  We had let them borrow our bucket and their kids were playing over with the grands and using our things.  When we started cleaning up one of the little boys looked right at Parker as he smashed the sand castle they had worked on all day.  Then the other boy took Parker's little mini m&m holder and left.  Parker was sad about the castle and wanted his holder back and Justin had to go with him to get it.  The little boy wasn't going to give it back and his mom didn't really care...she said he found it.  I watched him find it right in the middle of the castle.  Then the lady mentioned the boat and thought it was funny that they had gotten mud all over it.  Justin was polite but let her know that he didn't find it funny at all.  That was the worst thing though so really no biggie.  I think more than anything it just surprised me!

I enjoyed watching my kids parent their sweet little ones.  They all are such caring, fun, and wonderful parents.  Everyone was good with all the kids and often I saw a child in the arms of someone other than their parents.  It made my heart smile! ☺

I didn't have little ones in my arms as often as usual but loved it when I did.  I even gave up "my seat" in the boat for some of the mommy's and babies.  I'm not going to lie...there were times I was lost and wasn't sure where to put myself.  I sat all over the boat this trip.  (I still prefer my seat)

We were all pretty tired every night when we got back but the girls made things better with the yummy meals.  I realized that I didn't even eat chocolate and didn't miss it.  We had plenty to eat!  The kids were so good at preparing and cleaning up.  I helped a little but not like I usually do. That was really nice too....I like having adult children.

This picture is of my kids....oh how I love them all so much!

 I'm a picture addict and got plenty of pictures to help save the wonderful memories.

These are my cute grands.  I think I have some of the cutest little's alive.  They are all so kind and good too.  They make me smile all over the place.

Larry needed to help Vicki with a few things at her cabin and so on Friday we went over to her cabin to make sure of what needed done and then we invited her to join us for dinner.  The dinners we ate were better than anything we could have went out for.  It was fun having Vicki come eat and visit with us.  Our family sure does love her family.

On Saturday while the kids went to Minnetonka Cave, Larry, me, Natalie and Macie went to Vicki's.  Larry got her boiler finished and helped but some stoppers on her washing machine so that hopefully it won't walk all over the floor anymore during the spin cycle.  It took the entire time the kids were gone.  When they came to get us we had them move a few big rocks for Vicki.   Vicki is so nice and doesn't like asking for help so we just did it.  I really enjoy being able to help her when we can.  She would do the same or more for us.

We ended our trip by playing only on the boat and with the wave runners.  We decided not to go to the beach just to make clean up easier.  It was so much fun....such a wonderful vacation together!

I'm really glad my boys were there to help when it came time to load the boat to go home.  There were so many boats in the marina that I had to close my eyes so I wouldn't be nervous...because I was nervous.  I'm glad that Braxton can back a trailer and that Jaydan was with him to help load the boat so Larry could drive the boat.  (I usually drive the boat on the trailer and when there are lots of boats I get a bit freaked out.

We all met at our house after to clean out the boat and have some left overs.  We had enough left over food that we ate together Saturday Night and still had enough for Sunday dinner.  I liked that!

I like being with my family...and cherish every single time we are able to all get together.  With the passing of my friends I am well aware that life is a gift as well as each day.  I'm thankful for every minute our family has with each other.

Zaden's tooth fell out one morning.  Him and Parker were playing at the bar or maybe even having some breakfast and it just fell out.  There wasn't any blood or pain.  We put the tooth in a baggie because we weren't sure the tooth fairy would find us...I was pretty sure he wouldn't since he never seemed to find my kids even at home.

Food 4 Thought Friday

Food 4 Thought Friday!

A little feast without the calories!!

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! Go HERE To Join In!!!

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Breakfast ~ Name your top three visited websites. Facebook, Google, my Blog Spot ☺
Lunch ~ What's the last thing you did for the very first time? I went on Vacation with my family and instead of Larry and I doing all the planning the kids did it.  They reserved a cabin, planned meals, bought food and snacks, prepared the meals and cleaned up (I did help a little but they were on it).  It was wonderful...I have such awesome kids! It was so nice!
Dinner ~ If you could only eat one food, and nothing else, for three days in a row, what would it be? It would be pasta...I have always loved it and seriously do not get tired of it!
Midnight Snack ~  Who is your all time favorite teacher and why? A few popped into my head.  Mr. Harvey was my 6th grade Teacher and I loved him.  Mr. May taught band in Jr. High and he taught more than music.  He cared about kids.  Mr Peterson who saved me in High School from failing math.  I have always been good at math but in my Sophomore year I struggled and the teacher I had could care less and told me to "think about it" when I asked her how to do it. (I did not like her at all) then she left and Mr. Peterson took her place and made sure that I understood...to show my appreciation and love for him me and others often toilet papered his house.  He even jumped in our car one time as we were trying to hurry away before getting caught...we didn't even notice until we were laughing and making sure we had everyone.  We did...including Mr. Peterson. ☺
Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Count Your Blessings....Name Them One By One!  (we have more blessings than trials but often focus on the trials instead of the blessings)

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Breakfast

Today I decided to take my kids to breakfast at Criddle's Cafe.  Kimi has been wanting another cinnamon roll and so today I took them.  Carla was planning on bringing me to breakfast today for my birthday but ended up having so much fun in Spokane with her daughter and grand that she stayed longer than planned.  I didn't mind and was really glad she was enjoying herself.  But...I still wanted to come and so do my kids.  I had them drive separate because I also invited Tammy to join us.

I haven't seen Tammy since they sold their house and she had been on my mind so much lately.  I was thrilled when I received a text saying I had been on her mind as well.  She is leaving for France on my birthday and will be gone for 3 months.  I was hoping that she could come to breakfast and it worked out that she could.  We had a lot of catching up to do....Tammy's life has been crazy since she moved in with her mom.  I am glad that she could release her frustrations.  I always love chatting with Tammy...she's a sweetie.  I love her bright smile!

While we were visiting I happened to look over at the counter and notice Jodi standing there.  I think she was surprised to me too.  I love running into my friends.  Jodi was getting a few giant cinnamon rolls to share with others.  I love this friend and seeing her today for a few minutes made my day happier.

(I came home and cut off those stupid strings from my shirt...I knew they were dorkie and didn't know whether to leave them untied or not....problem solved!)

Debbie...It's OUR Time!

Today Debbie and I celebrated our Birthdays.  Debbie's birthday was last Monday and mine in next Tuesday and so it's perfect to meet in the middle.  Finally....after many, many years it's our time!  We have never celebrated together before and I hope that we will in years to come.  I love this girl that I have known for so long.  My first memory of Debbie is when Justin was just a new born...so in 1983.

I have always loved Debbie and even though some years we might have only seen each other at Christmas and maybe a few other times throughout the year our friendship never lessened. Our friendship is forever.  I have so many wonderful memories with Deb.  She use to do my nails...she was the absolute Best!  We have each Hosted Parties for each other when we decided to do Home Parties.  Debbie was a Fantastic Hostess!  I think I was for her as well when she started selling a few things. It's been fun.  I love her family and attend their showers and help at their weddings just like Debbie's does with my kids.  We can count on each other always.  I'm so happy to have such a wonderful friend in my life.

Today we shared a few things with each other that brought us closer.  Life can be a challenge and we are all tried but it's part of the plan.  Our job is to do our best and learn from the hard times.  It's also our job to reach out to others unconditionally and let go of the hurts from our earlier years.  Forgiving others and ourselves is a huge thing.  Forgiving heals the soul and allows us to jump ahead quickly to a better place.  I love Debbie and I'm so glad to have her as my forever friend!

Let's Not Be Difficult Meme

1. Do you like your movies and books to be more lighthearted or serious?  I like both kinds and it just depends on the day of which I would prefer more.  Overall though I would say lighthearted.

2.What's more important, first impressions or lasting impact? I would say lasting impact!

3. Order these areas of psychological health from what you need to least improvement into what you need the most improvement in: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, environmental,spiritual. environmental, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, physical.

4. Do you react appropriately to things and control your feelings? I'm getting better at it but still need improving.

5. Do you have stable relationships? Yes

6. Do you need to be in a relationship to feel good about yourself?  I use to think so.  I would say not anymore but that might also be because I been in a wonderful relationship for 35 years.

7. Which is the clearest and most concise, your thoughts, our speech or your writing? Which is the least clear and concise?  I would say the clearest and most concise would be my thoughts and the least my writing.

8. Are you always trying to learn new things?  Nope, however I am always learning new things but  do so with out trying.

9. Do you feel at peace? Yes...I am at a time in my life where I do feel at peace.

10. Do you have strong morals and ethics that you believe in and adhere to?  Absolutely!

11. Do you think of the needs of all humanity or just the needs of yourself and those you know?  I am a very compassionate person and think of everyone.

12. Do you recycle? nope

13. Are you active in your community?  Kind of...I'm active in my church which involves the community.

14. Are you sensitive to the needs of others?  I think most of the time I am...I sure try to be.

15. Do you dress up to go out?  I get dressed to go out.  Dressing up is not my thing!

16. what could make you lose respect for someone?  Dishonesty and unkindness.

17. If you won $1,000 every week until you die, would you still go to work?  I don't work now so no.  Oh but how I would love to have that....I'd share!

18. What trend has been getting on your nerves lately? not sure about getting on my nerves but I really don't like the gauges people have in their ears that are so trendy right now.  I don't like looking through someone's ear and when the gauge is out the earlobe just flops around.

19.  Do you forgive yourself when you make a mistake? It takes me awhile.  I'm pretty hard on myself as I think most people are.

20. Is ignorance really bliss?  Yes! I was just talking about some of things going on in this crazy world and some of the things just make me sick.  I know there are much worse things going on than I know and so yes ignorance is bliss.

21.  What can be describes as 'even better than the real thing'?  Imagination and anticipation are better than the real thing.  I know at Christmas my anticipation and imagination for the blessed day are much better than the real thing.

22. What's in your wallet right now?  My wallet is more like a mini purse.  I have my drivers license, credit cards, probably $1, camera, Tylenol, tiny air freshener, keys, lip gloss and my phone.

23. Do you write letter that you never send?  I have only done that once.

24. Do you ever get the feeling people are laughing at you? yes but it doesn't bother me anymore.  Laughing is a good thing so if it's at me oh well.

25. Who's the one person you'd like to drop a house on?  There isn't anyone.

Larry asked me out

Larry actually asked me to go to dinner and a show with him.  I felt like a kid again.  We went early to avoid the Saturday Night rush and it was wonderful.  We had a gift card for Red Lobster and so we went there.  We weren't sure what movie to go see so while we were waiting for our food we pulled up the movies and chose The Cokeville Miaracle.  I had seen it but Larry hadn't.  I enjoy watching a good show again because you pick up on things that you don't the first time.  I loved seeing Larry wipe at his eyes throughout the movie.  I just feel so blessed to be married to such a kind, tenderhearted man.  I think my love grows deeper for him at times like this. I'm glad he's mine and I'm his!

We went to the store after to get the extra's for Sunday dinner. Then we went and got the kids to take them to the Snow Shack that opened today.  Our neighbors just bought it and we want to support them.  We didn't get "snowies" as planned but instead some yummy sorbet.  Our friends that bought this are so stinkin cute and nice.  Jon (the owner) told us that he was investing in his kids.  He hopes to at least break even but him and Kacy decided to buy this so that their kids would learn to work and have responsibilities.  I like that way of thinking.  Jon and Kacy are just good people!

Fun Day All Around!

Karie

It's been awhile since I have visited with this cute friend.  When I was looking at pictures of Davaleen I came across so many of Karie and wanted to get together with her.  Saturdays work best for her and so we planned this day.  We invited others but it was a busy weekend and only we were able to make it.  We visited for 4 hours. ☺ We shared a lot of insight with each other.  That's the wonderful thing of getting older....you have so much more to offer.  I love Karie and I'm so glad that she is still with us.  I was worried a few years ago about her but will admit that today she seemed the healthiest I have seen her.  She  is on a new med that costs an arm and leg each month but it is working for her and so it is worth it.  Karie is such a kind, soft spoken gal.  She has a way of saying things that need to be said in a loving way.  She told me of things she has discussed with some of her family members and I admire her for her soft/direct approach.  Karie's awesome and I'm blessed to have her as a friend!